Lose and Choose

Lockdown has gifted us some priceless gems. Comfy bras, a rediscovered love of tinted moisturizer and most importantly, freedom from our Spanx! Rachel Spillane shares her fashion and beauty list of what to ditch and keep, post-lockdown. 

If anyone else’s lockdown was like mine, you’re probably equal parts excited and apprehensive about the return of normal life. No more meetings on zoom, dressed in a lovely work-appropriate blouse but secretly still in your PJ bottoms (not sure if that’s a good or bad thing?) and no more fear of Veet wax strips taking off half your eyebrow (definitely a good thing). And while I consider myself an online shopping guru, and I would hope so after 14 months of practice, there is no doubt that I have made some questionable choices. It could have been the new heels that screamed ‘blisters’, or the jeans that won’t budge past my knee, but both have led me to the realisation that not everything needs to go back to the way it was pre-covid. We went from wearing athleisure wear at the gym, to wearing it while working from home and we have swapped our full-glam, made-up faces for a humble BB cream and mascara. It seems we’ve gone back to basics and that’s something we can all get behind. 

Ditch 

1. Underwired Bras 

After spending most of the lockdown in seamless, wire-free bras, I can now confirm that the underwire is a very clever torture tool. The ‘pro-list’ for bralettes is never-ending – flexible, comfortable and just as stylish. While comfy bras aren’t known for their amazing push-up abilities, we’re willing to risk it for sheer day-to-day comfort. No more back and neck pain and no more bra-shaped welts to match! Remember ladies, wire-free means worry-free.  

2. Heels 

The reopening is fast approaching, and I hope we’re all in agreement to leave our heels at home. There is nothing more terrifying than the thought of walking through town, struggling over cobblestone lanes and gripping onto your friend or partner for dear life. Our feet are enjoying the petit pause from being squished into stilettos, and are in no rush to get back in the game, especially after all of the summer pedicure prep. 

3. DIY Haircuts 

Unsurprisingly, I was one of those people that fell into the trap of cutting my hair at home. It wasn’t a success. I know, quelle surprise. Despite not having freshly washed hair or the requisite salon grade hair scissors, I caved one evening in front of the bathroom mirror. As locks of my hair fell to the floor, so did my morale. In my mind’s eye, I was going for Jennifer Anniston style long choppy layers but in the bathroom mirror, I ended up looking like Rod Stewart. Needless to say, I was first in line the minute the salons reopened. 

4. Shapewear 

My Spanx were the first things to go when I did a wardrobe clear-out. Flashbacks of hopping around the bedroom, squeezing myself into a minuscule bodysuit was almost as bad as the trauma of trying to take it off. Keeping the lumps and bumps hidden isn’t worth the stress of the ‘Spanx Dance’. I think I speak on behalf of women everywhere when I say, we are elated to say toodaloo to shapewear.  

5. At-home Waxing 

When waxing is done by a professional, it’s unpleasant. When waxing is done by yourself at home, it’s a torture. And I have the scars to prove it. We all love having smooth legs but at what cost? Countless burns from hot wax are bad enough but throw in a wax strip that just won’t budge, and suddenly you find yourself en route to the doctor with a pain in your wallet as well as your leg. Since then, I’ve gracefully bowed out of DIY-waxing. The experts can take it from here. 

Keep 

1. Natural Make-Up

We’re loving our new and improved makeup routine. A good SPF, tinted moisturizer and mascara are all it takes to look like you can conquer the day. Never again will I buy a foundation that claims to be ‘full coverage, our poor skin doesn’t need the hassle. And false lashes? Never heard of them...

Okay fine, we may commit to a classic winged liner look now and again - we can’t give it all up! 

2. Elastic Waists

Trousers with an elastic waist have become our best friend, and we’re not quite ready to say goodbye. Leggings, joggers and linen trousers have been a saving grace while working from home or outdoor meetings. And if we’re being totally honest, the thought of squeezing into skinny jeans is going to be a slow return. Brands like Cos, Marks & Spencer and Next all have a range of stylish elasticated-waist trousers that can be worn for all occasions, so it won’t look like you’re wearing a pair of pyjamas to a garden party. 

3. Self-care Sunday

We all have had a little more time to invest in self-care during the lockdown, and making yourself a priority on Sunday is a definite keep. We all deserve to feel pampered and well-rested before the start of the new week. So maybe we won’t spend hours attempting the perfect bouncy blow-dry but taking time out to show ourselves a bit of self-love will make all the difference. Whether it’s sliding into fresh sheets, lighting a new candle or even reading a book, as long as you feel reset and refreshed, that’s all that matters. 

4. Eyebrow Tinting 

I think most of us got off to a rocky start with eyebrow tinting at home and I’m no exception. However, as soon as I cracked the right shade (I’m a very light brown, not a blue-black), I was tinting like a pro. It’s one of the easiest, fool-proof DIY hacks that give you an immediate confidence boost and some cashback in your wallet. Most tints in the pharmacy fade out after a few washes so don’t worry if you’re a first-timer. You’ll have it perfected in no time.  

5. Fashion Face Masks 

We’re embracing the fashion face mask. Let’s face it, (see what I did there!) face masks are going to be around for a lot longer than we had anticipated. When they first arrived on the fashion scene, I thought we had gone a step too far. But when brands like Tory Burch and Kenneth Cole introduced them, I was all in. I now own several fashion facemasks – one of which is a three-piece set that includes a matching mask, headband and top. Not only are they a great way of jazzing up your style on your daily walk, but the photo of Kate Middleton at Prince Phillips funeral has shown us they can be an elegant accessory that frames the face beautifully. So, now that we are all readying ourselves for a summer of fun getting all dressed up for hotels, restaurants and bars, make sure you have a few statement masks in your handbag to inject a little bit of glamour on a night out. WW